Topeka  The Kansas Supreme Court on Friday found no error in the sentence imposed on a man convicted in the 2010 attack of a woman on a southwest Lawrence bicycle path.

William E. Nichols was sentenced by District Judge Peggy Kittel to nearly 14 years in prison in connection with the stabbing of a 23-year-old woman on a bike path between the Youth Sports Complex and Clinton Lake.

Two 19-year-old Lawrence men helped the woman and chased away the attacker.

Nichols pleaded guilty to aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery and aggravated sexual battery. At the time of sentencing, Nichols said he “didn’t understand himself” at the time of the attack and was experiencing many financial and family hardships. Nichols said he didn’t have health insurance and that he tried to seek mental health treatment in Topeka and Lawrence before the incident but was unable to pay for it.

There is a major exception to ljwirled's comment. If you are a veteran with a low income, excellent health care is available at the Veteran's Administration hospitals at little or no cost. And, the VA hospital in Topeka is the very best psychiatric hospital within hundreds of miles. There is only one catch. You might need to be approved for healthcare first, and that may take some time.

If you think you might be a qualified veteran, apply for a healthcare ID card by phone 877-222-VETS (8387), in person at your local VA medical center, or online at:

After you have your healthcare ID card, it is good at all of the VA healthcare facilities. As of July 30, 2010, there were 153 VA hospitals, 773 outpatient centers, and 260 Vet Centers (counseling) in the US.

Thanks so much to the two men who basically saved this woman's life. As to Nichols, he should just be glad that he survived himself. There are many who might have made sure he stayed down...permanently.